An investigation by the Nigerian Senate into the alleged mismanagement of a massive N210 trillion by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been delayed again — all because the company’s top boss, Bayo Ojulari, didn’t show up for the fourth time.

Ojulari was expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday to explain how the money — covering the period between 2017 and 2023 — was handled. But instead of showing up, he sent the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, who said Ojulari was urgently invited by President Bola Tinubu earlier that day.

This excuse sparked anger among senators, who felt Ojulari was deliberately avoiding them.

“This is the fourth time he’s ignored us,” said Senator Victor Umeh. “We respect the presidency, but that shouldn’t be used to dodge accountability.”

Other lawmakers were even more blunt. Senator Joel Onowakpo said Ojulari was acting like he’s above the law. “If we don’t act now, he’ll keep ignoring us,” he said.

Senator Aminu Abbas called it “clear disrespect,” while committee chairman Senator Aliyu Wadada warned that enough is enough.

“No one is above the National Assembly,” Wadada said. “If he doesn’t show up by 3 p.m. Wednesday, we’ll issue a warrant to compel his appearance.”

The Senate is trying to find out what happened to trillions of naira reportedly unaccounted for by NNPCL, money that could have gone into public services like roads, healthcare, and education. Lawmakers say they are determined to uncover the truth, even if it means using legal powers to force top officials to cooperate.